The Moses Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, located in the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the large intestine.

Surgery for Colon and Rectal Cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for colon and rectal cancers. The surgeons at Mount Sinai traditionally use minimally invasive techniques, which not only treat the cancer, but also help restore regular function of the colon and rectum.

How much of the colon and/or rectum is removed depends on the where the cancer is located and how far it has spread into the wall of the bowel. Mount Sinai surgeons remove the cancer and reconstruct the bowel by connecting the remaining healthy intestine. In most cases, normal function of the bowel returns within a few months.

In cases of colon and rectal cancer that may have already spread to other organs, surgeons at Mount Sinai work closely with surgeons across other specialties. They also work collaboratively with your primary care provider and medical oncologist to create an integrated care plan that is tailored to your lifestyle and diagnosis.